Are my chicks always going to love me ?

[Wildflower_VA]

Quote:
Amen! Standing ovation!

 

[KFox]

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Amen! Standing ovation!

x 2

And just my two cents- I hope to never be so bitter and angry about raising animals.

 

[Attila the Hen]

Yeah Speakledhen!! And THANK YOU farmer for doing what I am not able to do. Yes--you feed me and I am grateful.
Animals are my life even though there are plenty of people in it--too many sometimes. In animals I find a simple and uncomplicated joy. Who cares if my chickens love me so long as I love them and they trust me.

 

[Judy]

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Ah, but your comments are demeaning. You are replying to someone who is telling you chickens can show affection, and in that very reply you state you know your dog feels affection and hope your horse does.

Can you cite research showing that chickens cannot/do not feel affection? That an adult hen jumping in someone's lap is solely for safety or security?

There is a world of difference in goslings following someone on whom they may have imprinted, or for food or safety, and an adult chicken preferring bodily contact to food in a safe and familiar situation.

Speckledhen is not talking about anthropomorphizing a baby chick, she is talking about bonds over several years with pets.

 

[ErinG]

Well said ddawn. I'm fairly certain this was not meant to turn into a philosophical debate. Yes, you are entitled to your opinions, but if you are going to be unfriendly about it, keep them to yourself.

 

[Sorin]

You know agstanley, I'm pretty practical when it comes to my chickens, I don't get too emotionally attached to them. But to prove you wrong, I was just over to a friends house today who I traded a barred rock to 6 months ago. Well this barred rock followed me around until I sat down and jumped on my lap, she never did that when I had her! Her new owner does not handle the chickens, so it's not that she was all of a sudden used to being handled. Yes, I used to give her treats, but she hopped on my lap and settled down without any treats. Like I said, she never jumped on my lap when I had her, to me it seemed like she missed me. As far as I'm concerned this proves that they have some capacity for affection. I understand you are a farmer and chickens are a source of income for you and I'm sure you take good care of all your animals, but there is no reason

to ridicule someone on here for there feelings or perceptions about their chickens!

 

[speckledhen]

I was just wondering if they will become more independent as they grow or will they continue to enjoy my company? I like to have them visit with me when I sit outside and I would love fro them to continue to do it but I just have a feeling this will be a behavior they will outgrow as they become 'teenagers'

Dez, to answer your original question, probably. They will most likely always be friendly toward you, except maybe a cockerel who is feeling his hormones and has a tendency toward aggression. Sometimes, even a skittish chick will turn into a more friendly youngster as she approaches laying age and her hormones kick in.

The demeaning and condescending comment made by Ms. Stanley:

And be glad that I have it, because people like me FEED people like you.

has no bearing whatsoever on the subject of this thread or on my first post in it.

I frankly can't believe it was even said here.

I try not to get attached, as BIRDS JUST DIE.

So do people.

Not comparing people to chickens, but not sure why it bothers some folks so much that others become attached to their pets.​

 

[Huskeriowa]

I spent most of my life in the sandhills of Nebraska. It is all farmers in that area. I have seen farmers shoot a neighbors cat simply because it may kill a pheasant. I have seen a farmer kick a dog because in his mind that is what they are for. On the other hand I have seen farmers that lived to go hunting with their dogs and felt a close bond to them. And I have seen ranchers that had a hard time getting rid of their 4-H steer because of the emotional bond with it.

Personally I do believe that a person can get develop an emotional attachment with most animals including to a lesser degree chickens. They may not be the brightest animals but I am sure they understand what makes them feel good and whom they like to be around. To me that suggests some sort of emotional attachment.

I enjoy any animal that shows it is interested in interacting. I will also be the first to sit at a table of fried chicken or to dress a chicken if I am hungry.

I wasn't going to chime in but the statements until like "Okee Dokee, whatever works for you....." and
"That's a very comforting thought, especially for Newbies" (Translation, That is a very comforting thought to someone that doesn't have any idea what they are talking about). And "My comments were not meant to pick a fight, nor were they meant to demean anyone" (Of course you meant to demean as is the next statement). "Just a different perspective. And be glad that I have it, because people like me FEED people like you." (Feed people like who? Ignorant 'newbies' that probably have a skill that you benefit from but they wouldn't think of inferring you are an idiot for having a thought).

It is obvious that you didn't like the response you got from a member. I may not completely agree with the whole emotional topic however to state that your comments weren't meant to demean anyone is not accurate. In other words say what you mean and stand behind or don't say it to begin with.

Best wishes

 

[agstanley]

You may read into it what you wish.
I personally find this thread to be quite amusing....even though you all feel the need to pick my words to pieces and go on the offensive. You can pick anything to pieces and make it offensive if your mind works that way. If you feel demeaned or insulted...sorry bout that, but I'm as entitled to express my opinion as well as you.
I see that conflicting opinions don't set well with your warm, cuddly mentality....hmmm interesting. The pack mentality seems to be alive and well however. Your way or the highway, eh? Reality Check, the world if full of oposing positions.

ddawn....real nice "bug off".

Speckled Hen...... you should know better. We've crossed swords in the past, and I thought that you were a little more temperate....guess I was wrong.

Now who's really gotten personal?

 

[Judy]

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You're right, that was too much. Leaving now.